Job 33:1-33

(Note: Elihu’s second speech is addressed directly to Job. In A and A’ Elihu refers to Job by name; both these sections are chiastic. Section A is the longer of the two and parallels Elihu’s speeches (i) with Job’s own words (i’), (ii) and (ii’) both reassure Job that Elihu will be truthful and not cruel, he refers to the fact that he is a man created by God in (iii) and (iii’) and in the central phrase (iv) Elihu gives Job an opportunity to respond, ‘answer me’ – something that the three friends never did. This central phrase is repeated in A’.

Between these outer sections Elihu teaches three ways in which God deals with man. They are bookended by the phrases in B and B’ – ‘God speaketh once, yea twice‘ and ‘God worketh oftentimes’ [the Hebrew for oftentimes is twice and thrice]. I suggest that the first and third teachings are in parallel – C being how God hides unrighteousness from man and C’ is how He shows his righteousness to man. The teaching in the middle (E) is about how God uses suffering – this section is chiastic and centres on language that links back with Genesis 3:6 helping us see that God can use suffering to reduce temptation and consequently sin.)

A (1-13)

(i) (1-2) Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hearmyspeeches, and hearken to all my words. Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.

(i’) (8-13) Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thywords, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters.

B (14) For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.

C (15-17) In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.

D (18) He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

E (19-21)

(i) (19) He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his boneswith strong pain:

(ii) (20) So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.

(i’) (21) His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bonesthat were not seen stick out.

D’ (22) Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.

C’ (23-28) If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth: He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

B’ (29) Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimeswith man, (30) To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

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A.14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; 16 Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, 17 That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man. 18 He keepeth back his soul from the pit, and his life from perishing by the sword.

B.19 He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain: 20 So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. 21 His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.

C.23 If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:

D.24 Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.

E.25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth:

D’.26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy:

C’.for he will render unto man his righteousness.

B’.27 He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; 28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light.

A’.29 Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, 30 To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. 32 If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. 33 If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.